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    Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs Target Andre Gomes Amid West Ham Rumours

    Gianni Verschueren@ReverschPassFeatured ColumnistApril 13, 2018

    BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Andre Gomes of Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Leganes at Camp Nou on April 7, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
    Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

    Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly rival West Ham United for the services of Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes.

    According to Catalan outlet Sport, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is eager to add the Portugal international, despite the poor form he has shown in Catalonia. The report also states West Ham tried to sign him last summer.

    Gomes seems almost certain to leave Barcelona after a difficult two-year spell that started with plenty of promise. The 24-year-old was one of the club's high-profile signings in 2016, with many hoping he could continue his growth after a great run with Valencia.

    ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona is replaced as a substitute by teammate Andre Gomes during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, second leg match between AS Roma and FC Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2018 in Rome, Ital
    Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

    Instead, Gomes failed to settle early and fell out of favour with the fans, leading to plenty of boos whenever he set foot on the pitch. He quickly became something of a scapegoat for all of the Blaugrana's problems whenever he played, which was more often than the supporters wanted.

    Last month, he gave an interview to Panenka (via Goal's Chris Burton) in which he described his time at the Camp Nou as "a bit of a hell" and openly admitted he was sometimes afraid to leave the house.

    The interview opened a lot of eyes and explained why his team-mates and coach were seemingly so protective of the midfielder:

    Samuel Marsden @samuelmarsden

    Adds even more context (if needed) to that Valverde reaction to the supporters when they jeered Gomes vs. Atletico https://t.co/HH8IqngXXV

    Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs Target Andre Gomes Amid West Ham Rumours
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    Unfortunately for Gomes, the fans didn't seem to care one bit―they've continued to boo and criticise him, most recently when he came on as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League loss against AS Roma:

    Lucas R. 🇦🇷 @lucasammr

    Ans after suffering for 80 minutes, our first sub is… Andre Gomes. Denis Suarez earned this yet Valverde cannot help but to be a coward.

    Gomes is still just 24 years and old and was regarded as one of La Liga's most intriguing midfield prospects two years ago. It's easy to see why Spurs would not be afraid to take a chance on him―he could be the perfect buy-low candidate, who may rediscover his form with a change of scenery.

    He's unlikely to come at a high cost, given his struggles in Barcelona, and won't face the same sky-high expectations he did early during his time at the Camp Nou.

    West Ham's supposed long-time interest will play to their advantage, but north London is a far more attractive destination than east London these days, and Spurs have been on the rise for some time.

    Between the two clubs, one would have to assume Tottenham would be clear favourites for his services.